Drag Race's Brita: 'My Own Insecurities' Led to Clash With Aiden Zhane

Brita Filter has "Hung Up" her wig.

The drag performer is the latest to sashay away from RuPaul's Drag Race after losing a lip-synch against Heidi N. Closet. Filter had found herself in the bottom once again after failing to impress the judges in this season's "Rusical" ode to Madonna, in which she did a take of the gay icon in her cone-bra era.

Below, Filter discusses the elimination, her sometimes contentious relationship with contestant Aiden Zhane, and the health crisis impacting her city, New York.

The Advocate: You're the first Polynesian queen to be on Drag Race. What does it mean to you to bring that representation to TV and drag?
Brita: It means the most! I never had anyone who looked like me that I could look up to who was LGBTQIA+.

What would you tell the haters of the pineapple/corn dress?
I would tell them I will 100 percent always be a pineapple princess in that dress even though you think its corn!

On Snatch Game, you impersonated Jennifer Holliday. Why did you choose the Dreamgirls star?
I am obsessed with her, and her mouth is as big as mine is!

You fought to portray Madonna in her cone-bra period in this week's "Rusical" celebrating her. Why were you drawn to that era?
I chose this Madonna because the notes in her song are much lower and I knew I could hit them. Also, it is an iconic look -- who wouldn't want to be cone-bra Madonna!

Madonna is a gay icon. What does she mean to you personally?
Madonna is the first celebrity that was there during the AIDS crisis and she was the first person to shed a light on our community. She is not afraid to stick up for what is right.

This season, especially in Untucked, there was some friction between you and Aiden Zhane. What was the root of that -- and have you since reconciled?
The root was my own insecurities getting the best of me. I have since apologized, and Aiden and I are very close. The entire season 12 cast is a sisterhood, and sometimes sisters fight.

You're very proud of your identity as a New York queen. Has the city shaped the way you do drag?
Immensely! It is so cutthroat that you have to always be on top of your game and constantly bettering yourself to stay afloat. There is some damn good drag and you want to be a part of it!

New York is currently the epicenter of the health crisis. How are you coping right now?
I am quarantined at my parents' because I have preexisting conditions. I am using this time to self-reflect and work on new materials so I am ready to perform and make people smile once this is over.

What message would you like to send to fellow New Yorkers -- or anyone else who has been impacted by this virus?
We are New York strong and we always manage to get through everything. I think it is very important for people to stay quarantined at this moment. We have gotten through so much and we will get through this. At the end of it, I will be there performing for everyone in that city!

What's next for you?
I want to create a giant production! I love creating productions! I want to do TV, writing, sitcoms, and tour the world! I want to spread my light and make really cool queer art.

RuPaul's Drag Race airs Fridays at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on VH1.